leave among the Dutchess's servants, it might be prudent to talk of it to any of the Dutchess's relations, in whom you have confidence. It will thus be known in a distant way to her. She will hint probably her opinion to her relation both as to the sum, and the mode, and you will be sure to please by following her opinion. It should be on a liberal scale, as a gentleman's daughter, who felt the distinction, without its being imagined did not know the value of money, you as well as the French, who are great economists.

If you stay beyond August 2, at Paris, you mar the compliment to the Dutchess, and you might settle with the coach for the time by the week, or have an allowance, or give up a few days, for the grace of the thing. The 8th of August is Sunday, not the 9th. I will set out so that I may have every thing ready for

you at Dover. Do not regard any moderate expense for what you like, but I wish you not to apply to Mr. Paice, as there is no occasion. You may draw at two or three times, if you prefer it, but let it be always at two usances.

I had several little things to mention, but Rosenhagen is just come, and I foresee that I have no chance of reassuming the pen. I therefore conclude, my dearest Polly, with every compliment of respect and gratitude to the charming Dutchess, Madame de Chantereine, &c. &c. &c.

Adieu.!

LETTER XVII.

Tuesday, July 13, 1784.

I HAVE been engaged, my dearest Polly, for some days about the proposition of Government to fund the Navy and Victualling bills.

Many ap

plications have been made to me to join the cry against the Minister, and to proceed at law against the Treasury upon a supposed breach of the public faith. I have resisted every attack, and refused to lend myself to a measure hostile to Administration. Public faith is not in my idea injured, for the bargain with the public was to pay 4 per cent. interest after the expiration of six months from the date of the Navy bill till it was paid off, but no time whatever was fixed for the paying it off. This is the condition

of all the Navy and Victualling bills which I have seen. The proposal now made for the terms of the stock is not so advantageous as we flattered ourselves with obtaining, but it is still great for me, who possess so much Navy prior in date to June 1782. I shall dispose of all this, and still I have a noble parcel behind, the interest of which is to be regularly paid. The uncertainty of when the Navy bills might be paid at all, and the ridiculousness of private persons going to law with the Treasury, are strong motives on my mind. Mr. Montague approves this conduct, the consequence of which will be a very tolerable round sum from the profits of the Navy bills to June 1782, and the money, which I replace to the City, I intend to lay out in new Navy and Victualling bills, the handsome profits of which will come to the Chamberlain.

This business being settled so greatly to my present accommodation, and for October 3, let us now, my dear daughter, look forwards to the charming time of your return, and the future conveniences of us both. Whatever you may wish for your own apparel, laces, fringes, &c. &c. you may purchase much cheaper and better than here, I suppose. Perhaps ten or fifteen guineas you might lay out for ruffles for me, or any other things you might think of, which would answer in the purchase at Paris. Scarlet cloth sufficient for one suit for the winter I should like to have made up with the Dutchess's buttons, and one embroidered waistcoat of about eight or ten Louis. Whatever you purchase, I think you should either take with you, or send before to Monsieur Leguillon, and bring it with you in the packet. I shall contrive to be at Dover a day or two before you,